Australia named their starting XI for the first Test the day before play starts, including debutants Nathan Lyon and Trent Copeland, and making Michael Beer twelfth man. Recent form was clearly seen as the overriding factor, enabling Usman Khawaja to pip Shaun Marsh for the number 6 spot after his century in the warm-up game. Inexperience peppers the Australian side, with Khawaja having only played one test, Harris five and Hughes 10. There will be plenty of pressure on Mitchell Johnson to lead the bowling attack with one of his more consistent performances, and Michael Clarke may have to bowl more than he has done in the last three years.
Australian XI for 1st Test in Galle - Shane Watson, Phil Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Usman Khawaja, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Trent Copeland, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon. (12th man - Michael Beer)
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